Floating throwable implement game apparatus and related devices

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is used with throwable implements. The apparatus includes a base having a central portion and a peripheral edge. A first container is positioned on the central portion of the base. A plurality of second containers is positioned along the peripheral edge of the base and radially about the first container, wherein the plurality of second containers are smaller than the first container, and wherein an upper rim edge of the first container is positioned higher than upper rim edges of the plurality of second containers. The apparatus may be floatable and used primarily in water-based settings.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/348,899 entitled, “Bucketball” filed Jun. 11, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to game apparatuses and more particularly is related to a floating throwable implement game apparatus and related devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various types of games involve the use of objects which are thrown to a target, such as, for example, throwing bean bags or balls into cups, nets, or other targets. These games include well-known games such as bean bag toss, cornhole toss, horseshoes, and tailgate toss. In these games, the user generally stands a distance from a target which is positioned stationary on the ground surface. The user then throws the object and is assessed a score based on where the object lands relative to the target. These types of games have particular popularity at sporting events, picnics, and other outdoor settings. Some ground-based games have been adapted to be played in water settings, such as within a pool, a lake, an ocean, or another body of water. However, it can be difficult to simply use a ground-based game in a water setting, since most ground-based games involve a target which sits in a stationary position on the ground, which is generally difficult to achieve in a body of water. This problem, among various other complicating factors of using a traditionally ground-based game in a water setting, limit the success of being able to play a game in a water setting, which in turn, can limit the overall enjoyment of recreational activities in the water setting.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for use with throwable implements. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A base has a central portion and a peripheral edge. A first container is positioned on the central portion of the base. A plurality of second containers is positioned along the peripheral edge of the base and radially about the first container, wherein the plurality of second containers are smaller than the first container, and wherein an upper rim edge of the first container is positioned higher than upper rim edges of the plurality of second containers.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a floating throwable implement game apparatus for use within a body of water. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A base has a circular footprint, wherein the base has a central portion and a peripheral edge, wherein the base is floatable within a body of water. A first container is positioned on the central portion of the base. A non-water-tight basket is positioned within the first container. A plurality of second containers is positioned radially exterior of the first container and spaced equidistantly along the peripheral edge of the base and radially, wherein each of the plurality of second containers is smaller than the first container and the non-water-tight basket. A plurality of backboards is included, where each is positioned substantially vertically between the first container and at least one of the second containers. A plurality of throwable implements is included, where each is manually throwable by a user into at least one of the first container, the non-water-tight basket, and at least one of the plurality of second containers.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a floating apparatus for use within a body of water. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A base has a circular footprint with a central portion and a peripheral edge, wherein the base is floatable within a body of water. A first container is positioned at least partially within a first cavity of the base at the central portion of the base. A cover is attachable to the first container. A plurality of second containers is positioned at least partially within second cavities, respectively, of the base, the plurality of second containers positioned radially exterior of the first container and spaced equidistantly along the peripheral edge of the base and radially, wherein the plurality of second containers are smaller than the first container, and wherein the plurality of second containers are sized to receive at least one of a beverage cup and a beverage can therein.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustration of an apparatus for use with throwable implements, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is top side view illustration of the apparatus for use with throwable implements in a water configuration, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 3 is top side view illustration of the apparatus for use with throwable implements with the cover secured to the first container, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an elevated side-view illustration of the base, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of the base, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an elevated side view of one of the backboards used with the apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side view illustration of the second container, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8-9 are top and side view illustrations, respectively, of one type of throwable implement, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the first container and FIG. 11 is an illustration of the cover used with the first container, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are illustrations of the basket and the handle for use with the basket, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view illustration of the base of the apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustration of the apparatus in a position being supported by the legs, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is an apparatus and related devices which are used to play a game with throwable implements, such as balls, within a body of water, such as a pool, a lake, an ocean, or another body of water. Commonly, the apparatus will be used to facilitate a game which is played in above or below-ground pools, where the participants of the game are located within the pool and nearby the apparatus. As will be discussed in full detail further, a user of the apparatus may toss small balls into one or more containers that are positioned on a floating base, sitting on the top surface of the water. Depending on where the balls land within the base and the buckets, the players may be assessed points to determine a winner of the game. When the apparatus is not in use during an active game, it may provide secondary utility by acting as a floating article receptacle which can be used for storage of items, such as pool toys, ice for beverages, and/or canned or cupped beverages, among other articles.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustration of an apparatus 10 for use with throwable implements, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the apparatus 10 includes a base 20 having a central portion 22 and a peripheral edge 24. The base 20 may be the supporting structure which holds other structures and components of the apparatus 10. For example, a first container 40 may be positioned on the central portion 22 of the base 20 such that it is generally positioned at the center of the base 20. A plurality of second containers 50 is positioned along the peripheral edge 24 of the base 20 and radially about the first container 40. The plurality of second containers 50 is smaller in size than the first container 40. Further, an upper rim edge 42 of the first container 40 is positioned higher than upper rim edges 52 of the plurality of second containers 50.

FIG. 2 is top side view illustration of the apparatus 10 for use with throwable implements in a water configuration, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows the components of the apparatus in a non-exploded view. It is noted that the first container 40 in FIG. 2 is shown partially cut away to provide clarity in disclosure of the other components of the apparatus 10. With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the first container 40 may be designed to fit within a first cavity 26 of the base 20, which at least partially receives the bottom of the first container 40. The specific dimensions of the first cavity 26 may vary depending on the design of the apparatus 10. Similarly, the second containers 50 may each be at least partially positioned within one of a number of second cavities 28, which are positioned along a peripheral edge 24 of the base 20. When the first and second containers 40, 50 are positioned within their respective cavities 26, 28, the containers 40, 50 may be retained to the base 20 and prevented from inadvertent movements relative to the base 20, as is shown in FIG. 2.

The apparatus 10 also includes a basket 60 which is positionable within the first container 40. The basket 60 may be a non-water-tight basket, in that, it is capable of allowing water to flow through the sidewalls and/or base of the basket 60. In this way, the basket 60 can be used for collection and/or disbursement of the throwing implements while users are in a pool or other body of water without collecting the water itself. When the basket 60 is positioned within the first container 40, it may sit at a height that does not obstruct the upper rim of the first container 40, such that a cover 70 (FIG. 1) can be affixed to the top of the first container 40.

FIG. 3 is top side view illustration of the apparatus 10 for use with throwable implements with the cover 70 secured to the first container 40, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The cover 70 may affix to the first container 40 using a variety of designs, such as being threaded on to the upper rim of the first container 40. In this position, the cover 70 may enclose the interior of the first container 40 and the basket 60, which may be desirable when the apparatus 10 is not in use. For example, the first container 40 can be sealed for long-term storage by the cover 70, which can be secured using threads similar to plastic bottles, screws, or other types of fasteners. As shown in FIG. 1, when the cover 70 is removed from the first container 40, the basket 60 may be removable from the first container 40 using a handle 62 connected to an upper edge of the basket 60.

The apparatus 10 may further include a plurality of backboards 80, each of which is positioned between the first container 40 and at least one of the second containers 50. This positioning of the backboards is shown in FIGS. 1-3, where the backboards 80 are connected to the base 20 at a position between the first and second containers 40, 50. The backboards 80 may be used to help a user direct a throwable implement 90 into the second containers 50, similar to the use of a backboard in basketball. Generally, the throwable implements 90 may be small balls which are manufactured from a positively buoyant material(s), such as polyethylene or any pool-safe buoyant material, however any type of throwable implement may be used with the apparatus 10. When a user throws one of the throwable implements 90 towards the second container 50, it may contact the face of the backboard 80 first before falling into one of the second containers 50.

The base 20 is a floatable unit which is designed to float on the surface of a body of water 12, as is shown in FIG. 2. To achieve floatation, the base 20 may be manufactured, in whole or part, from materials that float on water, such as foams or air-filled materials. Additionally, the shape of the base 20 may provide it with buoyancy under the same design principles of watercraft buoyancy. The floatability of the base 20 may allow the entire apparatus 10 to remain afloat in a body of water, even when the throwable implements or other objects are contained within the first and second containers 40, 50. It is noted that the general footprint of the apparatus 10 may be circular, in that, the base 20 has a circular outline with the first container 40 positioned substantially at a center thereof. The second containers 50 may then be disposed radially about the first container 40 and spaced equidistantly along the peripheral edge 24 of the base 20. The circular footprint of the apparatus 10 may allow it to be used by users positioned at any radial angle thereof, such that numerous users positioned about the apparatus 10 can use it equally without limitation. Furthermore, the circular footprint of the apparatus 10 may allow it to be used without limitation when it rotates or spins while sitting on the water surface.

The apparatus 10, as described herein, may be used to facilitate various games. For example, one type of game may be played by any number of users who take turns tossing or throwing the throwable implements 90 to the base 20 with the goal of landing one or more of the throwable implements 90 within the first container 40 or one of the second containers 50. Various points may be awarded to the users depending on which of the containers 40, 50 they their throwable implement 90 ends up in. For example, a single point may be awarded to a player who successfully lands a throwable implement 90 into the first container 40, whereas three points may be awarded for successfully landing a throwable implement 90 into one of the second containers 50. The first container 40 is larger in size that the second containers 50, as it is a large, main bucket whereas each of the second containers 50 are smaller in size, generally about the size of a cup holder. The first player who successfully reaches a predetermined score wins the game. Additional peripheral items may be used to enhance the ease of play, such as, for example, the basket 60 which is removable from the apparatus 10 to return throwable implement 90 to the players at the end of a game or the end of a round of the game. It is noted that many variations of the above-described game can be implemented, including those involving different scoring regiments, different difficulty levels, and the use prizes, such as using food and/or beverages as rewards to users, all of which are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4-13 are various, detailed illustrations of the components of the apparatus 10 described relative to FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4 is an elevated side-view illustration of the base 20 and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of the base 20. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the first cavity 26 of the base 20, which is positioned at the central region 22 of the base 20, may be sized significantly larger than each of the second cavities 28 which hold the second containers. In one example, the first cavity 26 may have a size that approximately accommodates a diameter of a conventional plastic 5-gallon barrel, whereas the second cavities 28 may be sized to substantially accommodate the diameter of a conventional 12-oz beverage can or disposable 16-oz plastic cup. As can be seen, the height of the first cavity 26 and the second cavities 28 may be different depending on the design of the apparatus 10. In one example, it may be preferable to have the top of the second containers 50 sit substantially flush with a top surface 21A of the base 20, which may require the height of the second cavities 28 to be specifically selected. In contrast, the height of the upper rim of the first container 40 may generally sit well above the top surface 21A of the base 20, such that the depth of the first cavity 26 need only be sized to ensure the first container 40 is held successfully within the base 20.

Each of the plurality of second cavities 28 may optionally have a bottom floor 30 with at least one hole 32 formed therein. If included, the hole 32 may extend between an upper surface of the bottom floor 30 of the second cavity 28 and a bottom surface of the base 21B. The hole 32 may be useful in allowing any water which enters the second cavity 28 to drain therefrom. The first cavity 26 may or may not have a similar hole, depending on the design. Each of the plurality of second cavities 28 may also include at least one lateral cutout 34 of the base 20, positioned along a sidewall 36 of each of the plurality of second cavities 28. The lateral cutouts 34 may aid in allowing the manual removal of the plurality of second containers 50 from the plurality of second cavities 28, respectively, which may be especially helpful when the rim of the second containers 50 is substantially flush with the top surface 21A of the base 20. As shown, the lateral cutouts 36 may be accessible from the top surface 21A of the base 20, such that a user can put their finger in the lateral cutout 34 and lift the second container (FIGS. 1-3) out of the base 20. Each of the second cavities 28 may include any number of lateral cutouts 34. Also shown in FIGS. 4-5 are the slots 38 formed within the base 20 which are used to hold the backboards (FIGS. 1-3) in place. As can be seen, the backboards can be inserted into the slots 38, such that each of the backboards is held in a substantially vertical position within the base 20.

FIG. 6 is an elevated side view of one of the backboards 80 used with the apparatus 10. As can be seen, the backboard 80 has a substantially planar outer surface which may be used for directing the throwable implements against. With reference to FIGS. 1-6 together, when the bottom of the blackboard 80 is positioned within the slot 38 within the base 20, the front planar outer surface of the backboard 80 may be positioned substantially tangential with at least one of the plurality of second containers 50 positioned within the second cavity 28, which allows for a rebounded throwable implement to be directed into the second container 50 instead of away from the second container 50. Other variations of the backboards 80 may also be used, including where the backboards 80 are affixed to the base 20 or the first container 40 using different designs, or where the backboards have other shapes and/or positions.

FIG. 7 is a side view illustration of the second container 50. As shown, the second container 50 may have a slight lip 54 positioned on the upper edge 52 thereof. This lip 54 may assist with allowing a user to manually remove the second container 50 from the second cavity 28, in combination with the lateral cutouts 34. FIGS. 8-9 are top and side view illustrations, respectively, of one type of throwable implement 90. In this design, the throwable implement 90 may be a spherical or substantially spherical ball with symmetrical axial ridges. The throwable implement 90 may also include other surface texturing to increase a user's grip when it is wet.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the first container 40 and FIG. 11 is an illustration of the cover 70 which can be used with the first container 40. As can be seen, the cover 70 may be sized to fit snugly on the first container 40, to seal the interior space of the first container 40 when it is not in use. The cover 70 may have a handle 72 to aid in removal of the cover 70. If included, the handle 72 may be pivotally connected to the cover 70. Conversely, the cover 70 may include indentations, partitions, or similar designs in lieu of a handle 72. FIGS. 12 and 13 are illustrations of the basket 60 and the handle 62 for use with the basket 60. As shown, the basket 60 may have a height that is less than the height of the first container 40, which allows the basket 60 to sit below the upper rim of the first container 40 when it is positioned therein. The handle 62 of the basket 60 may pivotally connect to the basket 60 and it may have a semi-circular shape such that it can be stowed on the top edge of the basket 60 during a game or when the cover 70 is positioned on the first container 40. When the basket 60 is to be removed, the handle 62 may be pivoted upwards such that the basket 60 can be lifted from the first container 40.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view illustration of the base 20 of the apparatus 10, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the base 20 may include leg fixtures 84, which can be used to affix legs to the underside of the base 20, as is shown in FIG. 15, which is a side view illustration of the apparatus 10 in a position being supported by the legs 86. The legs 86 may be elongated rods or similar structures, formed from plastic or other materials, which can be affixed to the base 20 using the leg fixtures, which may be threaded holes or similar structures to receive the ends of the legs 86. The underside of the base 20 also includes stowing cavities 88 or slots for the legs 86, which allows the legs 86 to be stored within the base 20 when they're not in use. While the apparatus 10 is floatable on water, it may also be supported by legs when in water, such as to keep the apparatus 10 stationary when it is used within a shallow pool, like a kiddie pool. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 may be used with the legs 86 to support the base 20 when the apparatus 10 is not used on water. For example, the legs 86 allow supporting the base 20 at a predetermined height when it is used on a ground surface for land-based games. The stowing cavities 88 of the base 20 allow the legs 86 to be conveniently stored with the apparatus 10 when the legs 86 are not required.

It is noted that while the apparatus 10 may provide beneficial uses in facilitating games, it can also have other utilities. For example, with reference to FIGS. 1-3, directly under the basket 60 and within the first container 40 there may be space for storage of various items, such as drinks, ice, game accessories, or any convenient item. Additionally, the apparatus 10 can be used as a floating beverage receptacle for pools, with the second containers 50 acting as cup holders and the first container 40 acting as a cooler or beverage storage compartment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use with throwable implements, the apparatus comprising: a base having a central portion and a peripheral edge; a first container positioned on the central portion of the base; and a plurality of second containers positioned along the peripheral edge of the base and radially about the first container, wherein the plurality of second containers are smaller than the first container, and wherein an upper rim edge of the first container is positioned higher than upper rim edges of the plurality of second containers.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base floats in a body of water.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first container is at least partially positioned within a first cavity within the central portion of the base.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of second containers are positioned in one of a plurality of second cavities positioned along the peripheral edge of the base.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of second cavities further comprises at least one lateral cutout of the base, positioned along a sidewall of each of the plurality of second cavities, wherein the at least one lateral cutout facilitates manual removal of the plurality of second containers from the plurality of second cavities, respectively.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a depth of the at least one lateral cutout of the base is less than a depth of the plurality of second cavities.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first container further comprises a main bucket and a basket, wherein the basket is a non-water-tight basket which is insertable into and removable from the main bucket.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover connectable to the first container along the upper rim edge of the first container.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of backboards, each of the plurality of backboards positioned between the first container and at least one of the second containers.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of backboards has a substantially planar outer surface positioned substantially tangential with at least one of the plurality of second containers.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of slots positioned within the base, the plurality of backboards are insertable into the plurality of slots, respectively, wherein when inserted into the plurality of slots, each of the plurality of backboards is held in a substantially vertical position within the base.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of throwable implements, wherein the plurality of throwable implements are manually throwable by a user into at least one of the first container and the plurality of second containers.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plurality of throwable implements further comprise substantially spherical balls capable of floating in a body of water.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least the base and the first container have a substantially circular footprint, wherein the plurality of second containers are positioned radially about the first container and spaced equidistantly along the peripheral edge of the base.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of legs attachable to the base.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the plurality of legs are attachable to the base in at least two configurations, wherein in a first of the two configurations, the plurality of legs extend from the base to hold the base a distance above a ground surface, and wherein in a second of the at least two configurations, the plurality of legs are stowed in receptacles formed inset within the base, wherein the plurality of legs are positioned substantially flush with a bottom surface of the base.
 17. A floating throwable implement game apparatus for use within a body of water, the apparatus comprising: a base having a circular footprint, wherein the base has a central portion and a peripheral edge, wherein the base is floatable within a body of water; a first container positioned on the central portion of the base; a non-water-tight basket positioned within the first container; a plurality of second containers positioned radially exterior of the first container and spaced equidistantly along the peripheral edge of the base and radially, wherein the plurality of second containers are smaller than the first container and the non-water-tight basket; a plurality of backboards, each positioned substantially vertically between the first container and at least one of the second containers; and a plurality of throwable implements, each manually throwable by a user into at least one of the first container, the non-water-tight basket, and at least one of the plurality of second containers.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the first container and the plurality of second containers are positioned within a cavity within the base, wherein a bottom floor of the first container and a bottom floor of the plurality of second containers is positioned below a top surface of the base.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a cover attachable to the first container.
 20. A floating apparatus for use within a body of water, the apparatus comprising: a base having a circular footprint, wherein the base has a central portion and a peripheral edge, wherein the base is floatable within a body of water; a first container positioned at least partially within a first cavity of the base at the central portion of the base; a cover attachable to the first container; and a plurality of second containers positioned at least partially within second cavities, respectively, of the base, the plurality of second containers positioned radially exterior of the first container and spaced equidistantly along the peripheral edge of the base and radially, wherein the plurality of second containers are smaller than the first container, and wherein the plurality of second containers are sized to receive at least one of a beverage cup and a beverage can therein. 